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The differences between truss assemblers and metal fabricators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a metal fabricator has an average salary of $38,047, which is higher than the $30,880 average annual salary of a truss assembler.
The top three skills for a truss assembler include assembly line, tape measure and hand tools. The most important skills for a metal fabricator are MIG, hand tools, and aluminum.
| Truss Assembler | Metal Fabricator | |
| Yearly salary | $30,880 | $38,047 |
| Hourly rate | $14.85 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 2% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 22,013 | 4,868 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | - | - |
The major responsibility of a truss assembler is to gather pre-cut wood parts and use them to build wall sections, or trusses, that support construction projects. To do this, they first place metal reinforcements over connections. They use various tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, or staple guns. They are expected to communicate effectively with other members of the assembly team and to also assist in moving and pushing trusses. They are also required to clean the work area regularly.
A metal fabricator manipulates metal for construction and manufacturing companies. They are required to cut, shape, position and align different metals. They must also understand assembly instructions, ensure required parts are available, and ensure parts meet quality control standards. They attend product development meetings, test products for functionality, troubleshoot and stress test products to determine possible shortcomings, make detailed reports outlining product malfunctions, verify product dimensions, and maintain the product schedule.
Truss assemblers and metal fabricators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Truss Assembler | Metal Fabricator | |
| Average salary | $30,880 | $38,047 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $37,000 | Between $29,000 And $48,000 |
| Highest paying City | West Fargo, ND | Clifton, NJ |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Nevada |
| Best paying company | UFP Industries | Halliburton |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a truss assembler and a metal fabricator in terms of educational background:
| Truss Assembler | Metal Fabricator | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 52% | High School Diploma, 46% |
| Most common major | Business | Precision Metal Working |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between truss assemblers' and metal fabricators' demographics:
| Truss Assembler | Metal Fabricator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.1% Female, 3.9% | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 8.2% White, 60.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 8.1% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 5% | 5% |